Diploma in Biotechnology (R16)
About the ProgrammeBiotechnology is developed from the application of biology. Traditionally, classical biotechnology involves the process and products of fermentation. Currently, advance biotechnological processes apply the understanding of cellular and biomolecular processes to solve problems or make products.
Students in the Diploma in Biotechnology [DBIO] programme will learn the fundamentals in the biological sciences grounded in the understanding of the natural sciences. It will kindle an understanding of life processes that will reveal what is possible with the knowledge of biology.
Programme Objectives
The programme is designed to nurture an appreciation of life processes as well as to reveal the possibilities, applications and social implications of biotechnology.
Graduates have the flexibility to explore several specialisation options. These enable them to seek employment as laboratory or junior technologists in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and food supply industries, as well as marketing specialists in start-up biotechnology companies and companies dealing with equipment and consumable supplies that support the industry.
They can also pursue further studies at universities, both locally and abroad, in biotechnology, biomedical sciences and various science-related disciplines.
Biotechnology
The future for professionals
who understand and practise biotechnology is only
limited by their imagination and vision of how they
can contribute to society.
Besides medicine, the technologies developed to
manipulate biological systems are being applied to
wider areas of human endeavour, from better managing
the environment to improving the world’s food
supply. Indeed, biotechnology is making a
substantial difference in many consumer products and
services.
This option broadens the scope for students,
allowing them to apply themselves to industries
where biological solutions offer better
alternatives.
Biopharmaceutical Technology
Across the continents, many new
drugs now comprise large molecular compounds that
can only be manufactured with the aid of living
cells. Biologics manufacturing is anticipated to be
the next frontier for Singapore in Biomedical
Sciences.
This specialisation will prepare you for a career in
this exciting new field. You will learn about unique
processes and gain insights into biopharmaceutical
manufacturing.
With many world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing
firms choosing to base their operations in
Singapore, coupled with the promise of new
investments in biologics, you can expect good career
and educational opportunities in this area.
Biotechnology Enterprise
In 1976, a milestone in modern
biology was created when Genentech was incorporated
as a company in the
US. This means that
biotech companies were now able to use recombinant
DNA technology or the manipulation of genetic
information, to develop products capable of
generating revenue for their companies.
From that point on, there was no looking back.
This option provides a glimpse into this sector,
introducing an understanding of biotechnology
enterprise with its peculiarities and challenges. It
also addresses the effects of such enterprises on
the future of biomedical sciences and its impact on
society.
Food and Nutrition
The boundaries between biotechnology, food and nutrition have merged in recent years. Ever increasingly, recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering have been used to support the development of healthy foods. Food needed by an ever-growing human population.
This specialisation option provides students with the relevant skills required to support the growing food and nutrition industries, both in Singapore and around the world. Students will be exposed to the skills and techniques employed in the safe production of food as well as key concepts in human nutrition. Students may also apply these skills in support of the diet and nutrition healthcare sectors.
The programme will equip you
with:
- A firm grounding in the concepts and fundamentals of biotechnology
- Practical knowledge of the foundational technologies for working with DNA, proteins and cells.
- A thorough grasp of the science behind the techniques.
- An introduction to
major technological
advances and to emerging
fields in the
post-genomics era.
- An appreciation of the biotechnology industry, its best practices and societal considerations.
- Knowledge of how
biotechnology companies
operate.
On top of that, our Problem-based Learning approach to education will equip you with lifelong learning skills, enabling you to apply and adapt your training to circumstances, and build on the foundations you acquired as a student. This will nurture you into a knowledgeable practitioner in the field.
Graduates will be well
sought after as laboratory or junior technologists
in the biopharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical
technology, food, and food supply industries. They
will also be able to find employment as marketing
specialists in companies dealing with laboratory
equipment and consumable supplies that support the
biomedical science industry. Those with an
entrepreneurial slant may consider their role in
start-up biotechnology companies.
There are also opportunities to pursue further
studies at universities, both locally and abroad, in
biotechnology, sciences and other disciplines.
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